AMUSEMENTS

Wairarapa Daily Times, 20 April 1935, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

COSY THEATRE. MAE WEST. The programme to be screened this evening is headed by “Belle of the Nineties,” with Mae West in the principal part. Against a background of the gay nineties, and with Roger Pryor, her leading man, as a two-fisted ring hero, John Mack Brown as' a gallant lover, and John Miljan, the “tall and dark” trouble-maker, Miss West plays the part of a diamond-crusted charmer, who gives up her title of burlesque' queen of St. Louis to become the sweetheart of New Orleans. 1 The plot, which includes a prize fight reminiscent of the former glory of the ring, a diamond theft, a murder and a fire, serves to bring Miss West through the whirlwind of action and love-making to the arms of her true love, Pryor. Furnishing a background of rliyturns for Miss West’s songs are Buke Ellington and his orchestra. The picture is sumptuously and elaborately set in a careful reconstruction of the dazzling New Orleans of the latter part of the last century. The costumes are among the most beautiful ever seen or\ the sereen. Seats may be reserved at Perry’s, ’phone 2496.

THE REGENT.

“THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE

STREET.”

As in its screenings in other parts of New Zealand and in Australia, “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” is finding high favour in Masterton and is attracting big audiences to the Regent Theatre, where it will be shown again this evening and also on Monday evening. With Norma Shearer in the leading role, “The Barretts of Wimpole Street” is fairly summed up as a production brilliantly conceived, written, acted, directed and framed. Norma Shearer and Frcdric March do more than present a tender, poetic love story; they actually bring the invalided Elizabeth Barrett and the poet Browning to life. And as the grim, uncompromising father, Charles Laughton gives a performance which compares well with his recent interpretation of Henry the Eighth. The supporting players are equally inspired and equally well cast. No one ever danced the polka more gaily than does the Irish lass, Maureen O’Sullivan, nor looked more gallant than Ralph Forbes as Captain Cook; nor more sadly resigned than Katharine Alexander; nor flirted more expertly than Marion Clayton. Leo Carroll and Ferdinand Munier are excellent as Elizabeth’s doctors, while lan Wolfe and Vernon Downing are at home as Bcvan and Octavous —the parts they created on the stage. Seats may be reserved at Perry’s, ’phone 2496.